Barberry

The roots of barberry are traditionally used for digestive complaints, liver and gallbladder ailments and disorders of the kidney and urinary tracts. Despite the fact that it is a bitter herb it is said to have a warming energy in Ayurveda (compared to other more cooling bitters) so it is useful for people who are deficient, such as in dry eczema and constipation.

Barberry has alterative and strong antimicrobial properties so it is useful for topical and internal infections – the ancient Egyptians used it with fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare) to prevent plagues. Herbalist Richard Whelan says “a person who has not been able to pull themselves out of a chronic illness because they are encumbered, congested, bogged down by tiredness and toxicity, can be the ones who benefit the most from such a medicine as barberry, because it is a superb liver tonic.” He combines it with dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) and burdock (Arctium lappa) for deep blood cleansing programs and with liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) to cleanse and tone the bowel. For a strong liver program he uses it with celandine (Chelidonium majus) and a small amount of poke root (Phytolacca americana). Combining it with red clover (Trifolium pratense) and clivers (Galium aparine) is a good lymphatic system cleanser for problems such as swollen glands, eruptive skin or sore joints.

Barberry is an excellent substitute for golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis). Like golden seal barberry has significant amounts of the isoquinoline alkaloid berberine, which gives it a similar action, although it is lacking hydrastine. Golden seal has become overharvested, and somewhat endangered, and when it is available its price from sustainable sources steadily increases. These environmental issues, and the fact that it is expensive, mean that responsible practitioners have been searching for substitutes.

References

Van Wyk B, Wink M. Medicinal Plants of the World. Pretoria: Briza Publications; 2004. p. 66

Barberry. Plant Walks by Todd Caldecott Learning Herbs.com c2022. (updated 11 January 2016; accessed 3 Jun 2022).  Available from https://herbmentor.learningherbs.com/plantwalks/barberry-plant-walk/

Whelan R. Barberry. Herbs from A-Z. RJ Whelan Ltd c2011. (accessed 3 Jun 2022). Available from https://www.rjwhelan.co.nz/herbs%20A-Z/barberry.html